05.04.2011.
Signing the military cooperation agreement
Serbian Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac said today that during the visit of the state delegation to France, led by President Boris Tadic, an agreement on cooperation in the defense would be signed by the ministries of defense of Serbia and France. "The agreement will enable the continuation of further cooperation and training of our officers at the most prestigious military academies in the world, such as the French " San Sir ", which was completed in the past by a number of our generals," minister told Tanjug news agency.
He stressed that the agreement, which will be signed as part of the bilateral military cooperation, would enable consolidation of relations between Serbia and France and provide support to Serbia’s further progress on its path towards the EU.
"We plan to work together with France taking part in peacekeeping missions, one of which is now almost certain, this being the Atalanta peacekeeping mission in fighting against piracy on the coast of Somalia," said the minister.
He stressed that Serbia, as part of defense industry, continues to sell weapons and defense products on third markets, has a stronger interest to cooperate with the defense industry of France. "I'm sure we will discuss during the visit the possibilities for joint activities in future jobs that we expect to arrange this year," said Minister of Defence.
Sutanovac will be in the Serbian delegation, headed by Serbian President Boris Tadic, from tomorrow until 8 April paying an official visit to France.
During his stay in Paris, the president will hold talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Prime Minister Francois Fillon, President of the Senate and President Gerard Larcheand the Speaker of the National Assembly Bernard Akoy.
Serbian President will give a lecture at the military academy on "Serbia, France and the European Union" and will attend the opening of the exhibition in memory of Olja Ivanjicki, one of Serbia’s most renowned artists.
Tadic will lay wreaths during a visit to the Triumphal Gate, and at the cemetery to Serbian soldiers Tie, as the press service of the President has announced.
